A helping hand

Church collecting for Operation Christmas Child

The 2016 Operation Christmas Child information campaign hit the ground running Saturday, with sessions held in Elmsdale and Summerside. Harold Steinwand has been an active member in the Prince County branch of Operation Christmas Child since 2010.

“It’s a small part we can do for humanity,” said Steinwand. Operation Christmas Child aims to send donations and wanted items to children and youth in developing countries across the world.

“A stuffed animal is just as precious at 14 years old as it is at four years old,” said Steinwand.

The initiative also sends schools supplies, monetary donations, shoes, as well as items pertaining to personal hygiene, to the youngsters in need.

“They really enjoy things that we end up taking for granted,” added Steinwand. Saturday’s information session, aimed at teaching volunteer members of the organization how to properly pack a box, also featured a section on ‘why pack a box’.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, and Friday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, empty shoeboxes and material can be picked up at the Elmsdale and Summerside Church of Nazarene.

Filled boxes can be returned to either location on Nov. 16 to 18, between 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 19, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.